20 MAY 2006, Page 24

Sir: Rod Liddle was right to be critical of the

press coverage of John Prescott’s affair (‘Bogus morality’, 6 May) but wrong to dismiss his contribution to the government and the Labour party. While Mr Prescott ruefully admits to being only on nodding terms, at best, with the rules of syntax, his intelligence, shrewdness and political judgment have impressed those with whom he has had dealings. Don’t take my word for it; ask the Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders in the Local Government Association.

Sir Jeremy Beecham